Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012:
Bringing new dimensions of boating activity
The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012 is set to bring in new dimensions of
boating activity to the leisure and adventure hungry Sri Lankan market
by way of modern boating technologies, equipments and activities that
are part and parcel of the boating industry worldwide. The event is set
to be held from the May 18 to 20 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial
Exhibition Centre for the third consecutive time and will showcase
modern boating technologies and methods, which will be introduced to the
Sri Lankan public by boat manufacturers, accessory suppliers, service
providers and a host of other related sub industries.
(From left) - Imran Hassan - Director – LECS, Asitha
K.Seneviratna - Additional Secretary - Policy Development -
Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Janaka Ratnayake - Chairman
and Chief Executive - Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Neil
Fernando - Chairman - Boat Building Technology Improvement
Institute Lanka (GTE) Ltd and Gamini Herath - Managing Director
- Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (GTE)
Ltd, at the press conference. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe |
Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean as many have termed it has
vast resources of water both around the island and within it. The vast
water reservoirs have always been looked at as a mode of relaxation,
industry and adventure. The lakes, streams and rivers that surround the
beautiful island have always been untapped and used by a very small
percentage of the population whose main industry is fishing.
However, many people within this country and the world understand the
treasure trove that is hidden within the country and tend to explore the
natural water fronts for sheer pleasure and adventure. Sports such as
kite surfing, jet skiing and a host of other adventure sports have now
gradually stepped into fill the void within the waters. Moreover, many
people find the serenity of the calm waters and the untapped exploration
of the beauty within the waters as modes of leisure and relaxation. The
Boat Show will provide all of these different segments an ideal platform
to witness and experience the marvel that is boating.
For the ever adventurous Sri Lankan youth the Boat show will provide
the ideal opportunity to explore. The very fact that anyone could buy a
boat for less than half the prize to that of a modern car with readily
available accessories would indeed be motivation to venture into the
boating territories. The colonial irrigation system that was put in
place by the ruling Colonialist centuries ago is still very much intact.
The governments’ efforts are now being directed towards developing these
facilities to curb traffic and ease transportation. This indeed will
require a unique boating experience which the boat show is ready to
deliver. To cater to a modern market that is looking forward to
something new, together with the sheer thrill of adventure will the Boat
show will indeed be the ideal location.
The Boat show organized by the Boat Building Technology Improvement
Institute (BTI) in conjunction with its long time partner, Presidential
award winning LECS (Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services) is set to
bring in a new theme of adventure, leisure and industry dimensions to
Sri Lanka. The initiative is ably supported by the Ministry of Industry
and Commerce together with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is set
to promote a new and innovative boating experience to the Lankan public.
Today, the world over, boating has become one of the most sought
after concepts. The introduction and commercialization of modern cruise
ships which are now one of the most sought after activities among the
tourism and hospitality industries, the evolution of a new generation of
adventure seekers who have developed a ‘thrill’ in seeking their
adventures within the beauties of the water have all contributed to the
re emergence of boating as a fun filled leisure driven activity.
The very fact that the youth could use their passion of modifying
vehicles could also be turned towards the modification of boats which in
essence is a much cheaper and fun filled activity. Day outings in the
lakes, parties, or simple relaxation with a few good friends are all
possible for those boat enthusiasts. Modern safety methods and
technologies are also very much a part of the boating industry and are a
most important part of any feature within the industry.
The Boat Show Sri Lanka has continuously attracted all leading
industry suppliers in the region to display a wide array of products at
the exhibition. It is believed that the show is considered as one of the
most educative experiences for beginners and professionals. Thus Sri
Lanka could expect the show this year to reach new heights and creating
a major step towards the country being one of the most sought after
boating hubs in the region. |